Tabernacle's 'Christmas Memories' set for Dec. 10-11

December 5, 2011 2:02:00 AM

Jan Swoope - jswoope@cdispatch.com

There is something sweet to be savored in Christmas memories of old. Life was simpler and commercialism far less rampant.

Tabernacle United Methodist Church will revisit those times with Christmas Memories Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10-11. The public is invited to presentations at 6 p.m. each evening featuring hosts in period attire sharing familiar carols, the story of Christmas, a Brunswick stew and, of course, favorite memories.

"I always remember that when I was a little girl my grandmother, Nolie Speed Woods, who didn't have much money but had a lot of grandkids, gave us each our own different colored bath towel every Christmas. We couldn't wait to see what our color would be," said Tabernacle member Lisa Godfrey, who is assisting group leader Tracy Weathers and other volunteers with the event.

Mamaw Nolie lived "way up in the country," and Lisa and her siblings would search the sky for Santa all the way there and back.

"We would get all kinds of stuff at Christmas; the towel would probably seem like the least thing to most people, but it was special to us. All of us remember our towels."

"We hope everybody will come out to celebrate their favorite memories and share this joyous season with us," he said.

Godfrey stated, "We're really trying to create an old-timey atmosphere, with everyone mingling, eating and enjoying the singing. We've added some things since last year. And people attending will be invited to share their own favorite memory, if they like."

Brunswick stew will be served, and the Tabernacle congregation is well-known for its expertise with Christmas cakes, pies, cookies and candies.

"It's a huge spread," Godfrey laughed.

"Memories are in the heart and soul of every one of us," Armstrong said. "The two most important memories we should all have are 'remember when' and 'remember why."

"This is a perfect time for families to come to make more memories and think about the real meaning of Christmas," Godfrey summed up.

For more information, contact Godfrey at 205-662-3258 or Armstrong 205-662-3443. For directions, visit www.tabernaclecampground.com. The church is located at 6015 Tabernacle Road, Ethelsville, Ala.